Book Groups Rally Around U.S.A. Patriot Act Amendment

Last week, in an unusual display of industry solidarity, 32 groups representing a cross section of publishing-related organizations, regional booksellers associations and chain booksellers issued a statement in support of House Resolution 1157, a bill introduced by Vermont Rep. Bernie Sanders that would amend section 215 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act. Under the current provisions of the Patriot Act, federal investigators may search bookstore or library records without demonstrating probable cause, as long as a subpoena has been issued by a closed court. In addition, a gag order in the act prevents booksellers and librarians from telling anyone about the investigation or seeking legal counsel. Dubbed The Freedom to Read Protection Act, HR 1157 would stipulate that for subpoenas to be issued investigators would be required to demonstrate probable cause, and allow booksellers to be heard in court, albeit in secret.

Chris Finan, president of the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, said the industry statement was prompted by the belief that "Section 215 of the Patriot Act threatens First Amendment freedom by making people afraid that their purchases and borrowing records may be monitored by the government."

Among those signing the statement of support are the ABA, the AAP, Barnes & Noble, Borders and Books-A-Million, and the National Association of College Stores, as well as all of the regional booksellers associations, among them NCIBA, PNBA and NEBA.